Exploring the Path - Pāli Course

2.1.2Don‘t Believe in Tradition, in Hearsay, in Teachers but your own Experience, understanding what is wholesome

Thus it was articulated. And in reference to this it was explained:

“Now, Kālāmas, do not simply believe whatever you are told, or whatever has been handed down from tradition, or what is common opinion, or whatever the scriptures say. Do not accept something as true merely by deduction or inference, or by logical examinations of reasons, or by preconception for certain beliefs, or because of itsplausibility, or because a certain recluse or your teacher tells you it is so. But when you yourselves directly know: ‘These principles are wholesome, blameless, praised by the wise; when adopted and carried out they lead to welfare and happiness,’ then you should follow them up and perform them.”

“Now, what do you think, Kālāmas? When no greed arises in a person, does it arise for welfare or for harm?”

“For welfare, Bhante!”

“And this ungreedy person, not overcome by greed, his mind not possessed by greed, doesn’t kill living beings, does not take what is not given, doesn‘t go after another person’s wife, does not tell lies or induce others to do likewise, all of which leads to welfare and happiness for long.”

“Yes, Bhante!”

“What do you think, Kālāmas? When non ill will arises in a person, does it arise for welfare or for harm?”

“For welfare, Bhante!”

“And this unaversive person, not overcome by ill will, his mind not possessed by ill will, doesn’t kill living beings, does not take what is not given, doesn‘t go after another person’s wife, does not tell lies or induce others to do likewise, all of which leads to welfare and happiness for long.”

“Yes, Bhante!”

“What do you think, Kālāmas? When lack of delusion arises in a person, does it arise for welfare or for harm?”

“For welfare, Bhante!”

“And this undeluded person, not overcome by delusion, his mind not possessed by delusion, doesn’t kill living beings, does not take what is not given, doesn‘t go after another person’s wife, does not tell lies or induce others to do likewise, all of which leads to welfare and happiness for long.”

“Yes, Bhante!”

“So what do you think, Kālāmas: Are these qualities wholesome or unwholesome?”

“Wholesome, Bhante!”

“Blameworthy or blameless?”

“Blameless, Bhante!”

“Criticized by the wise or praised by the wise?”

“Praised by the wise, Bhante!”

“When undertaken and performed, do they lead to welfare and happiness, or not? How does this matter stand here?”

“When undertaken and performed, they lead to welfare and happiness. That is how we understand this matter.”

“So, as I said, Kālāmas, do not simply believe whatever you are told, or whatever has been handed down from tradition, or what is common opinion, or whatever the scriptures say. Do not accept something as true merely by deduction or inference, or by logical examinations of reasons, or by preconception for certain beliefs, or because of its plausibility, or because a certain recluse or your teacher tells you it is so. But when you yourselves directly know: ‘These principles are wholesome, blameless, praised by the wise; when adopted and carried out they lead to welfare and happiness,’ then you should follow them up and perform them.”